Novel enhanced table leaf mechanism and related methods

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a novel enhanced leaf mechanism, the leafs being stored immediately under the surface of the table. Leafs are extended and retracted using a unique system, whereby leafs are retracted by releasing a camming device and pushing the leaf into a retracted position. The system maintains alignment with a track along which arms connecting each leaf run. Arms in both the extended and retracted positions are substantially horizontal, but at different vertical levels.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a novel leaf apparatus and system for tables. Specifically, the design is novel in the mechanisms used to extend and retract the leafs, and is especially suitable for stone topped tables.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a novel enhanced leaf mechanism, the leafs being stored immediately under the surface of the table. Leafs are extended and retracted using a unique system, whereby leafs are retracted by releasing a camming device and pushing the leaf into a retracted position. The system maintains alignment with a track along which arms connecting each leaf run. Arms in both the extended and retracted positions are substantially horizontal, but at different vertical levels.

An apparatus is disclosed comprising a table having stone tabletop and a leaf retraction system, the leaf retraction system further comprising: at least one leaf, at least one track per leaf, at least one support arm per leaf affixed to the leaf, at least one track runner affixed to each support arm, and a camming device; wherein each support arm articulates with one track via at least one track runner, wherein each track comprises a higher length and a lower length interconnected by a length, and wherein each camming device comprises an extended position, which at least partially supports the weight of the leaf and at least one support arm, and a storage position, comprising at least one storage notch per support arm supported in the extended position, wherein each support arm associated with a leaf lowers into a storage notch.

Still further disclosed is a system comprising a leaf; at least one arm per leaf, each arm being affixed proximally to the leaf and substantially distally to at least one track runner; one track per arm; and a camming device, wherein each track runner moves along the track as the leaf is extended or retracted and wherein each arm is substantially parallel a tabletop when the leaf is extended and when the leaf is retracted.

A method comprising the steps of providing at least one leaf, providing at least one arm per leaf, the arm having a track runner, providing a track per arm, and providing a camming device, wherein the leaf is both retracted to and extended from a position immediately under a table top.

DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure with leafs in an extended position.

FIG. 2 is side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure with leafs being retracted or extended.

FIG. 3 is side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure with leafs in a retracted position.

FIG. 4 is view of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing the leaf retraction system in context with a table.

FIG. 5 is a close up view of an embodiment of an extended leaf, wherein the leaf is affixed to arms with a plate to which the arms are affixed.

FIG. 6A is a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing a camming device in an extended position.

FIG. 6B is a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing a camming device in a retracted position.

FIG. 7A is a schematic of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing the mechanism of track and track runner in an extended position.

FIG. 7B is a schematic of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing the mechanism of track and track runner as a leaf is being retracted or extended.

FIG. 7C is a schematic of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing the mechanism of track and track runner in a retracted position.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing a track runner that is a wheel system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventor has developed a novel and enhanced table leaf system. This system is designed for tables with leafs that are heavy, for leafs that are intended to permanently connect to a table, and for leaf systems where speed of assembly is important.

Many table systems today utilize leafs to expand the size of tables and allow additional people to sit at the table. However, many of these systems are difficult to use, often requiring awkward tasks to install and correctly situate the leaf. Moreover, these leaf systems are often limited by the size and weight of the leafs.

For example, stone topped tables may have leafs that are either too heavy, too unwieldy, or both. These leaf systems generally require that the leaf system be integrally connected to the table because of the problems associated with stone leafs. However, many of these types of systems are hinged based, which puts stress on the hinge system, bows under their own weight, or hits the knees of persons seated at the table when extended or when mechanical failures occur.

The first problem with tables with heavy leafs is, naturally, the weight of the leafs. Heavy leafs are not only unwieldy and difficult to install, but also pose a safety risk. These types of heavy leafs can crush fingers, toes, and potentially cause more serious injury. Moreover, these types of leafs are inconvenient to use, and can potentially bow under their own weight if connected only by hinges and insufficient support. Moreover, for systems where the leafs are not integrally connected to the table, multiple people must often participate in the installation or removal of each leaf. Finally, storage of heavy leafs is always an issue.

Speed of installation is also a problem. Because of the weight and unwieldiness of heavy leafs, they often take considerable time to install and remove. For systems integrated into the table, installation often requires crawling under the table. Additionally, hinged leafs often fold down at a 90 degree angle, posing difficulty for persons seated at the table and causing them to ram their knees against the stored leafs.

The present disclosure addresses many of these issues. The present disclosure provides an integrated solution for heavy leafs. The leafs are stored under the table where knees cannot hit them and where they do not otherwise serve as an impediment to the comfort of people sitting at the table. Moreover, they are integrated in such a way that installation occurs quickly, without the labor of actually lifting each leaf into place. Finally, because the leafs are integrated, there isn not a need for additional storage considerations. It will be understood by artisans that the principles of the present disclosure apply to all types of table materials including wood, plastic, stone, and others. Although the present disclosure is directed specifically to the problems inherent to heavy leafs, it is equally applicable to leaf systems where weight is a nonissue.

Turning now to FIG. 1, disclosed is table 100 with leaf retraction system 105. Leaf retraction system 105 comprises at least one support arm 120 and at least one track 130 per support arm 120. Connected to each support arm 120 is leaf 110. Each leaf 110 is integrally stored under table 100 when retracted. It is easily extended from its stored position under table 100 and secured with camming device 140.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two leafs 110 of table 100 are in an extended configuration. FIG. 2 shows table 100 during leaf 110 retraction process. FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of table 100 with leafs 110 retracted. In their retracted state, leafs 110 are stored immediately under the surface of the top of table 100.

Referring to an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there is shown generally table 100. Table 100 comprises a tabletop and legs as in all tables. Table 100 also comprises a leaf retraction system 105. Leaf retraction system 105 comprises at least one leaf 110, at least one arm 120 per leaf 110, track runner 125, track 130, stop block 132, and camming device 140. As shown in the embodiment demonstrated in FIG. 1, there is shown two leafs 110, each connected to leaf retraction system 105 at the distal end of two arms 120. Track runners 125 also connect to the proximal end of arms 110. Track runners 125 run on track 130 and keep each leaf 110 correctly aligned.

Specifically, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of table 100 with leafs 110 in an extended position. In the extended position, the top surface of leafs 110 are flush with the permanent tabletop. The distance between the side of the permanent table top and the side of leafs 110 is minimized to present users of the table with a continuous, even surface. Table 100 may be made of one or many different materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Any suitable table support apparatus as commonly known in the art is contemplated, such as table legs or a single central support apparatus, provided leaf retention system 105 is unaffected by the placement of the legs. The placement of tracks 130 and camming device 140 may take on various confirmations, with respect to their individual positioning, to achieve the goals set forth in the present disclosure.

Leaf retraction system 105 comprises at least one leaf, at least one arm, at least one track, and at least one camming device. Each leaf 110 may be designed to be both functionally and aesthetically pleasing. Many shapes are contemplated from rectangular to circular. Similarly, many sizes are contemplated, provided the leaf many be suitably stored under the permanent table top in its retracted configuration (see FIG. 3).

Turning to an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each leaf 110 connects to at least one arm 120. Each arm 120 has a proximal end directed towards the center of table 110 and a distal end directed towards the edge of table 110 and connects to leaf 110 with leaf connector bracket 122. To prevent bowing of heavy leafs 110, such as stone topped leafs, one inch steel tubing may be used for arm 110. Other sizes and other building materials such as non-steel metals, wood, plastic, and synthetics may also be used to make arm 120. Whatever building material is chosen should provide support enough to prevent bowing and ensure that leaf 110 forms a continuous, even surface with the tabletop. Leaf connector bracket 122 would be well understood to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In embodiments, each arm 120 may be directly connected to leaf 110. For example, in an embodiment, arm 120 may be received into a channel made in leaf 110 and affixed with an adhesive. Other contemplated embodiments include welding arm 120 to metal plates affixed to leaf 110, screwing brackets into leaf 110 after arm 120 is inserted into the bracket, and other connection methods that would be well known in the art. Leaf connector bracket affixes to the distal end of arm 120.

Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, track runner 125 is affixed to the proximal end of arm 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, track runner 125 is a section of arm 110 or an affixed member wider than arm 110 and designed to run on track 130 while allowing arm 110 a vertical range of motion with respect to track 130. Track runner 125, in embodiments where track runner 125 does not comprise merely a widened portion of arm 120, may be affixed to arm 120 by welding, adhesive, or other methods that would be well understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In other embodiments, track runner 125 may comprise a wheel system (see FIG. 8). One or more wheels could, for example, be mounted to one or more sides on arm 120. Each wheel would then run in track 130, which is specifically designed to receive the wheel.

Referring still to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, track runner 125 runs on track 130. Track 130 is substantially parallel to tabletop, except at a distal end, defined to be the end of track furthest from leaf 110. At the distal end, track 130 is angled downwards, which allows track runner 125 to “drop down” into a storage position when leaf 110 is in a retracted position. Because track runner 125 drops down in a storage position, arms 120 are stored substantially parallel to the table top, which allow for stored leaf 110 to also be stored substantially parallel to the tabletop. The net result causes leaf 110 to be stored substantially flush with the bottom of the surface of the tabletop and prevent the leaf from being a distraction to persons sitting at table 100. In embodiments, lubricious pad 108 may be used to prevent wear on the surface of leaf 110 in its stored position, as well as during the process of extending or retracting leaf 110. Lubricious pad 108 may be made from many materials that are well understood by artisans, such as PTFE.

Track 130 must be long enough to allow full extension of leaf 110 and prevent track runner 125 from becoming separated from track 130. This may be accomplished by creating an impassible obstacle on track 130 that prevents further movement of track runner 125 in a given direction. Once the impassible obstacle is reached, the articulation of track runner 125 and track 130 form a pivot point for arm 120, as shown in FIG. 2. In this position, leaf 110 may be raised to its extended position, as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring again to the embodiment of FIG. 1, stop block 132 occurs at the distal end of track 130 and is positioned above it with enough clearance for track runner 125 to move unimpeded to the end of track 130. According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, and shown in more detail in FIG. 8, stop block 132 has a proximal end and a distal end corresponding to the proximal end and distal end of track over which it is positioned. The proximal end is angled substantially similar to that of track 130.

The distal end is used to provide a cantilever point to hold leaf 120 in place. In the stored position, the weight of leaf and arms 120 is held by camming device 140 on the bottom surface, which tends to create a moment because of the weight of leaf 120. Consequently, stop block 132 provides a surface that resists the moment because track runner 125 abuts against the lower support surface of the distal end of stop block 132 to form a cantilever and prevent leaf 110 from falling.

Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, camming device 140 retains arm 120 and consequently leaf 110 in place. Turing to FIGS. 6A and 6B, camming device further comprises cam notch 144. Cam notch 144 is a notch that receives arm 120 when leaf 110 is being retracted. Cam notch 144 is of sufficient vertical depth as to allow arm 120 to become substantially parallel to the tabletop when leaf 110 is in its retracted position. Because camming device 140 supports the weight of leaf 110 and arm 120, camming device 140 may further comprise a knob 142 for ease of moving camming device 140. Camming device may be any device that allows arms to occupy mulitple positions corresponding to an extended or retracted state for leafs 110. Such devices, which maintiain an extended confirmation or prevent leafs from returning to a retracted confirmation, that is, a confirmation where leaf 110 is not substantially flush to the permanent tabletop, would be well know to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 6A and 6B demonstrate an embodiment of camming device 140. In FIG. 6A, camming device 140 is shown in an extended position where leaf 110 is extended. Arms 120 are supported, in part, by camming device 140 as shown. In the extended position, arms 120 rest on an upper support surface of camming device 140 designed to support arms 120 in an extended position. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, camming device 140 holds arms 110 substantially parallel to the tabletop, keeping leaf 110 held in an extended configuration, as previously described.

Likewise, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B shows camming device 140 in a retracted position where leaf 120 is held in a retracted position. This position of camming device 140 is also set for extending or retracting leaf 120. In this position, camming device 140 is moved using camming device knob 142 to a position where arms 120 may be received by camming device slots 144. Arms 120 rest on a lower support surface within camming device slots 144 that is vertically lower than the surface of camming device 140 used to support arms in an extended position. Thus, arms 120 in the stored position are vertically lower than arms 120 in the extended position, which allows for leaf 110 to be stored under the surface of table 100, while keeping the leaf substantially parallel to the table top.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 demonstrate a process of extending and retracting leafs 110 described in the instant disclosure. As previously discussed, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of table 100 with leafs 110 extended. Each leaf rests on the upper support surface of camming device 140, which is in the extended position. In its extended position, camming device 140 supports each arm 120 and leaf 110 in an extended position, as shown in FIG. 1.

Retracting leaf is accomplished by moving camming device 140 into its retracted position. According to embodiments, movement of camming device 140 is accomplished using camming device knob 142. By gripping camming device knob 142, users manually move camming device 140 such that camming device notches 144 align with arms 120. Once aligned, upper support surface of camming device 140 no longer supports arms 120. Consequently, the weight of the leaf 110 causes a moment to form, which causes leaf 110 to rotate on arms 120 until arms contact the lower support surface of camming device 140 within camming device notches 144. According to embodiments, track runner 125 rises up and contacts the lower support surface of the table top once contact is made with the lower support surface of camming device as shown in FIG. 2. The contact with lower support surface of table top provides a cantilever that, together with lower support surface of camming device 140, supports the weight of leaf 110 and prevents further rotation of system comprising leaf 110 and arms 120. In other embodiments, track runner 125 comprises a system that keeps it in contact with track 130, preventing it from contacting the lower support surface of table top. In these embodiments, the device preventing leaf runner 125 from leaving track 130 forms the cantilever that helps to support the system comprising leaf 110 and arms 120.

Thus, the system comprising leaf 110 and arms 120 as depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is accomplished simply by moving camming device 140 from its extended position to its retracted position, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 2, leaf 110 and arms 120 system is angled downward as a result of moving camming device 140 from its extended to its retracted position. Once angled downward, leaf 110 and arms 120 may be moved along track 130 and retracted. Retraction is accomplished by pushing leaf 110 under table 100 as shown in FIG. 2. Track runner 125 runs along track 130, maintaining proper alignment of the system.

FIGS. 7A-7C demonstrate an embodiment of the mechanism of track runner 125. When leafs 110 are extended, arm 120 is substantially parallel to track 130 and track runner 125 is on or near track 130. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7A, both arm 120 and track runner 125 preserve the alignment of they overall system, which keeps leaf 110 correctly positioned. As track runner 125 moves down the track and nears the end of track 130 during retraction, it approaches the downward angled portion of track 130 and stop block 132, as shown according to the embodiment in FIG. 7B. Lubricious pad 108 prevents marring of the top surface of leaf 110 to preserve the aesthetics of the table with leaf 110 in the extended position.

When track runner 125 reaches the distal end of track 130 that is angled downward and stop block 132, it is forced downward. As the person retracting leaf 110 pushes the leaf under the table, leaf runner 125 is forced onto the angled, distal portion of track 130. Because the person retracting leaf 110 will support a portion of the weight of leaf 110, track runner 125 will generally run along track 130, according to the exemplary embodiment. Nevertheless, the person retracting leaf 110 need not provide sufficient force to keep track runner 125 on track 130. Instead, stop block 132 is angled at its proximal end to match the angle of track 130. Thus, track runner 125 may continue to provide a cantilever to help support the weight of leaf 110 during the retraction process, essentially running along the bottom of the table top until track runner 125 reaches stop block 132. At that point, track runner 125 continues to serve as a cantilever, but is forced downward as it continues to be retracted by the angling of the proximal end of stop block 125. As track runner 125 moves down the angled, distal portion of track 130, the angle of leaf 110 and arm 120 system gradually approach an angle that is substantially parallel to the table top.

Eventually track runner 125 will reach the distal portion of track 130 that is substantially parallel with the tabletop, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C. When track runner 125 reaches this point, leaf 110 and arms 120 are substantially parallel with the table top, but in a lowered position. Leaf 110 and arm 120 are supported by the lower support surface of camming device 140. The distal end of arm is supported by track 130 and by cantilever with the distal surface of stop block 132 as shown in the embodiments of FIG. 7C and FIG. 8. According to an embodiment, arms 120 and track runner 125 may be balanced such that camming device carries the entire weight of the leaf 100, arms 120, and track runner 125.

Referring again to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of the present disclosure in a fully retracted state. In this state, leaf 110 rests immediately below the tabletop and out of the way of the legs of people sitting at table 100. As described, leaf 110 and arms 120 are held in position by lower support surface of camming device 140, by the contact of track runner 125 on track 130, or by the cantilever effect of track runner 125 and the distal portion of stop block 132.

Leafs 110 are extended from a retracted or partially retracted position by the opposite mechanism of leaf 110 retraction. Instead of moving track runner 125 and arms 120 along track 130 toward the distal end of track 130, track runner 125 and arms 120 are moved towards the proximal end of track 130. The mechanics, therefore, are reversed from that of retraction. Once leaf 110 is extended, camming device 140 is moved to the extended position.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a table having a table top and a leaf retraction system, the leaf retraction system further comprising: at least one leaf; at least one track per leaf; at least one support arm affixed to the leaf; at least one track runner affixed to each support arm; and a camming device; wherein each support arm articulates with one track via at least one track runner; wherein each track comprises a higher length and a lower length interconnected by a transition length; wherein each camming device comprises a extended position, which at least partially supports the weight of the leaf and at least one support arm, and a storage position, comprising at least one storage notch per support arm supported in the extended position, wherein each support arm associated with a leaf lowers into a storage notch; and wherein each track runner rests on the higher length of track when the leaf is extended and wherein each track runner rests on the lower length of track when the leaf is retracted.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the table comprises two leafs, each leaf having two support arms.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each leaf is made from stone.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lubricous pad that prevents damage to each leaf as each leaf is extended and retracted.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the lubricious pad has at least a PTFE layer.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stop block.
 7. A system comprising: a leaf; at least one arm per leaf, each arm being affixed proximal to the leaf and substantially distal to at least one track runner; one track per arm; and a camming device; wherein each track runner moves along the track as the leaf is extended or retracted; and wherein each arm is substantially parallel a table top when the leaf is extended and when the leaf is retracted.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the track further comprises: an upper proximal track length; a lower distal track length; and an angled track length connecting the upper proximal track length and the distal track length.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the track runner articulates with the upper proximal track length when the leaf is in an extended position; the angled track length during extension and retraction of the leaf; and the lower distal track length when the leaf is in a stored position.
 10. The system of 7, further comprising a stop block.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a lubricous pad that prevents damage to each leaf as each leaf is extended and retracted.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lubricious pad has at least a PTFE layer.
 13. A method comprising the steps of: providing at least one leaf; providing at least one arm per leaf, the arm having a track runner; providing a track per arm; and providing a camming device; wherein the leaf is both retracted to and extended from a position immediately under a table top.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a stop block.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the leaf is a heavy leaf.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the leaf is at least partially stone.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein two leafs are provided.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein greater than one leaf is provided.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the track runners remain articulated while the leaf is extended, while the leaf is stored, during extension, and during retraction. 